Bernard Arnault
- Full name: Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault
- Born: 5 March 1949 in Roubaix, France
- Occupations: Business magnate, Media proprietor, Art collector
- Known for: Founding LVMH, the richest person in the world
- Title: Chairman and CEO, LVMH, Chairman of Christian Dior SE
- Spouses: Anne Dewavrin, (married 1973; divorced 1990), Hélène Mercier (married 1991)
- Children: 5
Bernard Arnault is a French business magnate and art collector, best known as the chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, the world's largest luxury goods company. He became the wealthiest person in the world in 2023. Bernard Jean Étienne Arnault was born on March 5, 1949, in Roubaix, France. He is the son of a construction company owner. Arnault attended the prestigious École Polytechnique in Paris, where he studied engineering, and later graduated from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC Paris) with a degree in economics.
In 1989, Arnault became the majority shareholder of LVMH through his investment company, Groupe Arnault. He then took over as chairman and CEO, transforming the company into a global luxury goods conglomerate. Under Arnault's leadership, LVMH expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, solidifying its position in the luxury industry.
Bernard Arnault is consistently listed among the world's wealthiest individuals. As of 2021, according to Forbes, he has been ranked among the top three richest people globally. His net worth fluctuates with market conditions, but he has often been a prominent figure on rich lists.
Bernard Arnault's entrepreneurial prowess and leadership have made him a prominent figure in the luxury goods industry. His role in shaping LVMH into a global powerhouse and his influence on the worlds of fashion, art, and business have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in the global luxury market.